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‘How can you check if you have a heart blockage. My blood pressure is always good, but aren’t there blood tests that can give us clues?’

 ​Does a normal blood pressure mean all is well? This is a common and dangerous misconception: the belief that a healthy blood pressure reading is a clean bill of health for the entire cardiovascular system. While blood pressure is a vital metric, it is only one piece of a complex puzzle. To get an insight into a similar Quora query — “How can you check if you have a heart blockage? My blood pressure is always good, but aren’t there blood tests that can give us clues?” — we consulted an expert.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Dr Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant, a consultant cardiothoracic and vascular surgeon at KIMS Hospitals, Thane, said that while normal blood pressure is reassuring, “it doesn’t rule out blockages in the heart arteries”. “Many people with coronary artery disease have normal blood pressure readings. Blockages develop due to plaque buildup, which includes cholesterol, fat, and calcium. This process can remain silent until it becomes significant. That’s why relying on just blood pressure can be misleading,” said Dr Jenasamant.. Any early warning signs to watch for?. Yes, but they’re not always obvious, mentioned Dr Jenasamant. “Subtle symptoms often get ignored, such as chest heaviness during physical activity, breathlessness when climbing stairs, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or left arm. Some people, especially those with diabetes, may have silent symptoms or no symptoms at all. If something feels new, lasts a while, or is related to activity, it’s worth getting checked out.”. What tests can help detect heart blockage early?. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all test, but a step-by-step approach works best, according to Dr Jenasamant.. – ECG (Electrocardiogram): A basic screening tool that can show past or ongoing heart strain.. – Treadmill Test (TMT): Assesses how the heart performs under stress and is useful for detecting changes during exercise.. – 2D Echocardiography: Evaluates heart function and muscle movement.. When should you be careful? (Photo: Quora). – CT Coronary Angiography: A non-invasive scan that can visualize blockages in coronary arteries.. – Coronary Calcium Score: Helps identify early plaque buildup, even before any symptoms start.. – Coronary Angiography: This is the gold standard for diagnosing blockages in coronary arteries. In this procedure, a contrast dye is injected directly into the arteries to precisely identify any narrowing or obstruction.. Story continues below this ad. Here’s how you should take care of your heart health (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock). Who should consider getting these tests done?. Dr Jenasamant said that anyone with risk factors, such as diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, or a family history of heart disease, should think about screening, even if they  

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LifestyleNews

‘Girls are confusing’: Milind Soman on why feeling lost at 18 is a natural part of growing up

 ​Rewrite the following news content into a professional, SEO-optimized article. Instructions: Keep the meaning exactly the same. Do not add false information. Remove any unwanted text, metadata, or comments at the beginning. Write in clear, engaging, and human-like news tone. Use short paragraphs (2–4 lines each). Add proper headings (H2/H3) where relevant. Ensure good readability and flow. Use simple English (Grade 6–8 level). Avoid repetition and fluff. Format properly for a blog/news post. Content: Milind Soman explains why people are confused in their 20s (Photo: Instagram/milindrunning). In a candid interview with Esquire India, Milind Soman reflected on a feeling that many young people silently struggle with: confusion. He shared, “Young men are always confused. I was very confused when I was 17 or 18. I didn’t know what to do with my life. Girls are confusing, money is confusing, jobs are confusing…Everybody, not just when you are young, but as you progress in life, should ask themselves this question about where you want to be, where do you see yourself, what kind of do you want, and are you moving in that direction or not. And are you moving in that direction or not. So once you are clear about where you want to go, then you pursue that, then you will be less confused as you move in that direction.”. His words resonate deeply in a time where choices are endless, but clarity feels scarce. To understand this better, we turn to Dr Pavitra Shankar, Associate Consultant Psychiatrist, who explains why confusion is both natural and sometimes problematic.. Is confusion in youth normal?. According to Dr Shankar, some level of confusion is not just common, it’s expected. “At this stage of life, the brain is still developing its ability to plan and make decisions. It is completely normal to feel unsure and to explore different paths,” she says.. However, there is a line where confusion can begin to interfere with daily functioning. “It becomes a concern when it starts affecting day-to-day life—when a person feels constantly stressed or struggles to make even small decisions.”. ALSO READ | ‘In the park! The weather is amazing’: Milind Soman works out at -2°C. Can self-questioning actually help?. Milind Soman emphasises repeatedly asking yourself where you want to go in life. Psychologically, this practice can be powerful—if done right. “Self-questioning helps build self-awareness, but it needs to be honest and consistent,” explains Dr Shankar.. She suggests simple but effective tools, “Writing down your thoughts, identifying your strengths, and asking questions like ‘What is important to me?’ or ‘What do I enjoy?’ can gradually bring clarity.”. Why today’s youth feel more overwhelmed. While confusion isn’t new, the intensity of it has changed. Today’s young adults face multiple pressures simultaneously—career, finances, relationships, and social expectations. “In the past, life choices were relatively limited. Today, there are too many options and expectations,” says Dr Shankar.. Story continues below this ad. This abundance, she notes, often leads to anxiety. “Young people tend to overthink and develop a fear of making the wrong decision, which increases confusion rather than resolving it.”. View this post on Instagram. What actually works. Even when people gain clarity, acting on it can feel overwhelming. That’s where practical habits come in. “Once you know what you want, the key i  

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LifestyleNews

5 secret Uttarakhand escapes for a peaceful summer

 ​Rewrite the following news content into a professional, SEO-optimized article. Instructions: Keep the meaning exactly the same. Do not add false information. Remove any unwanted text, metadata, or comments at the beginning. Write in clear, engaging, and human-like news tone. Use short paragraphs (2–4 lines each). Add proper headings (H2/H3) where relevant. Ensure good readability and flow. Use simple English (Grade 6–8 level). Avoid repetition and fluff. Format properly for a blog/news post. Content: When summer sets in, Uttarakhand’s popular hill stations get packed. But beyond the usual bustle lies a quieter, more intimate side of the state, where forests hum, rivers whisper, and time slows down. Here are five offbeat destinations that promise a refreshing escape.. 1. Khirsu. Perched at over 1,700 metres, Khirsu offers sweeping views of the snow-clad Himalayas without the crowds of better-known spots. Surrounded by dense oak and deodar forests, it’s perfect for slow walks, reading retreats, and simply soaking in silence. The simplicity of village life here is its biggest charm, ideal if you’re looking to disconnect.. 2. Pangot. Just a short drive from Nainital, Pangot feels like a different world altogether. A haven for birdwatchers, this tiny hamlet is home to over 250 species of birds. Wake up to the sound of chirping instead of traffic, and spend your days exploring forest trails. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and photographers alike.. 3. Peora. Peora is where old-world charm meets sustainable living. With its stone houses, terraced farms, and fruit orchards, this village offers a glimpse into Kumaoni heritage. There’s no rush here, just long conversations, fresh mountain air, and picturesque views of the valleys. It’s an ideal spot for mindful travel and creative inspiration.. Birthi Fall as seen from Thal-Munsiyari road (Photo: Wikipedia). 4. Munsiyari. Munsiyari is still relatively untouched compared to mainstream destinations. It offers scenic views of the Panchachuli peaks and serves as a base for several treks. Whether you are an adventure enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys dramatic landscapes, Munsiyari delivers in every way.. 5. Chaukori. If tea gardens and panoramic Himalayan views sound like your kind of escape, Chaukori should be on your list. This quiet hill station is known for its sunrise and sunset vistas over peaks like Nanda Devi. The calm, unhurried environment makes it perfect for a peaceful summer break away from city chaos.. 📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram. © IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd  

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LifestyleNews

‘I can’t put into words what they’ve gone through’: Zayed Khan reveals why sister Sussanne and Hrithik Roshan’s divorce was actually a healthier choice; expert weighs in

 ​Zayed Khan’s reflections on the end of his sister Sussanne’s marriage to Hrithik Roshan offer a refreshingly mature take on divorce. (Source: Express Archives). Relationships don’t always follow a straight path, and sometimes even long-term partnerships end despite shared history and effort. In a recent interview, actor Zayed Khan reflected on his sister Sussanne Khan and her former marriage to Hrithik Roshan.. He said, “It wasn’t meant to be. And it would be even worse if you try to hold on to something that isn’t; both people suffer. For what? I mean, you have your children to look forward to, to participate in their lives, to witness the moments of them growing up, turning into such young, wonderful gentlemen. So that became the focus.”. He further added, “It’s done, it’s finished. Now let’s focus on this, and go find your version of happiness for yourself. We are not the typical, sort of society-pressure-driven family. We are a little more aware, a little more educated about certain things. And I know, by and large, people find it very bizarre. Some people are young; some people are unhappy; some people just don’t understand it, and that’s okay. It’s fine.” Khan’s remarks also touched on how societal expectations can shape perceptions of relationships and divorce, even when individuals are trying to make healthier choices for themselves.. Reflecting on how relationships can evolve, he told Zoom, “I think love is a very broad word. I think the respect and care they have for each other is even more meaningful. I think they’ve got amazing partners. I’m so fond of Saba (Hrithik’s long-term girlfriend), and I think she’s such a wonderful person. I’m so fond of Arslan (Sussanne’s boyfriend), he’s like my little junior brother. And you know, life goes on.”. He also spoke about the emotional strength it takes to move forward, adding, “I can’t possibly put into words what they’ve gone through, but I respect them even more for how they’ve handled it, how they’ve moved forward, achieved what they have, and found love again along the way. I truly respect that. It’s very hard. At the end of the day, what is it? It’s about having someone you trust, which is very important. Having the most honest sounding board is essential (sic).”. So when a long-term relationship ends, how can individuals emotionally process the idea that ‘it wasn’t meant to be’?. Gurleen Baruah, existential psychotherapist at That Culture Thing, tells indianexpress.com, “Isn’t ‘it wasn’t meant to be’ sometimes the best narrative or meaning we can give to something that hasn’t worked in the past? That’s a life-forward approach.”. She continues, “Learning lessons from it, carrying that understanding, and moving on with grace. Not everything works out the way we intend, and that is also part of life. It wasn’t meant to be what it is. That’s it.”. Story continues below this ad. Shifting from roman  

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LifestyleNews

India’s ‘designer rice’ breakthrough: 3x protein, low GI grain for type 2 diabetes

 ​Rice is a carbohydrate staple, but scientists are giving it a protein-rich makeover. Enter ‘designer rice’: a high-protein, low-GI innovation that transforms how we fuel our bodies. Scientists at CSIR – National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, have developed this rice, which is touted to pack “three times the protein of normal grains while maintaining a low glycemic index to help manage diabetes”. “By transforming broken rice into a nutrient-dense powerhouse, this innovation aims to nourish millions and tackle malnutrition one plate at a time,” CSIR, India states in a post on X.. White rice, often a comfort food for many, fuels over half the global population, but scientists note that polished white rice carries a silent burden owing to its starch content, which the body quickly turns into sugar, contributing to a rising tide of Type 2 diabetes.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. According to CSIR India’s post, this designer rice is not merely a “grain with vitamins and minerals merely sprayed onto its surface”, it is a “fundamental re-architecture of our most basic staple”. “By deconstructing the rice grain into its primary components — starch, protein, and fibre — and then precisely reassembling them, scientists have created a nutrient-dense food that functions as a proactive, structural solution for metabolic health. This process allows the rice to retain its familiar taste and cooking properties while delivering a superior nutritional profile,” it reads.. Dr C. Anandharamakrishnan, Director, CSIR-NIIST and the visionary behind the project, noted, “To understand this, imagine a building. If traditional rice is a house made mostly of ‘sugar bricks’ (starch), the CSIR-NIIST team took that house apart. They removed a significant portion of the starch and replaced it with ‘protein beams’.”. Traditional white rice has starch (Photo: Freepik). The team of scientists did not opt for genetic modification. Instead they used “food-processing technology” where they took the broken rice, the bits usually sold at a discount, ground them into flour, and blended them with protein and micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. They then “reformed” this mixture into grains that look, feel, and taste exactly like the rice we know, their press statement read.. According to the scientists, designer rice benefits as it has a low GI which is below 55. “It releases energy slowly, preventing the sugar spikes that plague diabetics.”. Protein powerhouse: While normal rice has about 6–8 per cent protein, this version boasts over 20 per cent.. Story continues below this ad. Fortified defense: It bridges the gap for anaemia by embedding iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 directly into the grain’s structure.. The  

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Vikram Bhatt recalls health scare in Udaipur Central Jail, says he stopped eating oil, salt to tide over fever: ‘One particular night in Barrack Number 10’

 ​Filmmaker Vikram Bhatt, 57, recently recalled facing a health scare in Udaipur Central Jail, where he was lodged due to an alleged Rs 30 crore cheating and fraud case. Bhatt, who admitted to having “a serious autoimmune disorder called axial spondyloarthritis”, opened up about suffering from fever for nights together.. “It must have been three or four weeks since my incarceration in Udaipur Jail. It was the middle of January, and the cold was biting in a way only those who have spent a winter night in prison can truly understand. I remember one particular night in Barrack Number 10. There are no clocks in prison, so I do not know what time it was. But I remember waking up suddenly, shivering uncontrollably. My body felt as though it was on fire. It was obvious that I had a fever, though there was no way to measure it. Even with two blankets wrapped tightly around me, I was shaking as if I had no clothes on at all. The men who slept on either side of me woke up when they saw me trembling. Without saying much, they found two more blankets from somewhere and laid them over me. Even under four blankets, my body kept shaking. I swallowed a paracetamol tablet and hoped it was something that would pass,” he recollected in a detailed post on Facebook.. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.. Bhatt, who came out in February 2026, after spending 71 days behind bars, went on to encapsulate his struggle with fever the following day, which had “worsened”. “I was burning up. We went to the prison hospital. The doctor had not arrived yet, and strangely, there was no thermometer to measure my temperature. They checked my blood oxygen saturation instead and told me everything was fine. I remember looking at the attendant and saying, “You must be joking. I’m shaking with fever, and you say I’m fine?” When the doctor arrived, I explained my condition to him. I suffer from a serious autoimmune disorder called axial spondyloarthritis, and in my case, a high fever can trigger severe complications. I told him clearly that I needed to be taken to a proper hospital. To his credit, he understood the seriousness of the situation and immediately wrote a note recommending that I be taken outside the prison for medical treatment.”. Vikram Bhatt on his ordeal (Photo: Vikram Bhatt/Facebook). However, he was “informed that the prison guards themselves could not escort me”. “And so I waited. I waited the entire day, but no one came. The next morning, my fever had reduced slightly, but my autoimmune condition had flared up, and the pain in my body was terrible. I was told that I would be taken to the hospital by the afternoon. By afternoon, the fever returned. By evening, I was told that a very important dignitary was visiting the city, and all the police were busy with security. There was no one available to take me. T  

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